Page 94 of Filthy Devil

“There’s more,” I continue. “I’m going nomad.”

Silence.

Complete and utter silence.

Then my son speaks. Not my brother, not a member of the Dark Horse, but my son. When he does, I realize that although I fucked up with him when I was younger, he loves me anyway.

I’m not sure I deserve that love, but just like with James, I’m going to hold on to it, keep it, and strive every fucking day of my life to deserve it. To deserve them, my family. Because I know I don’t, I never have and I never will, but I’m never going to stop trying.

“Happy for you, Dad. Does this mean we’ll see you more?”

Fuck.

I do not deserve him.

“Yeah, son. It means you’ll see me more.”

“And you’re happy?”

“Happier than I fucking deserve.”

“Good.”

Clearing my throat, I try to fight the tears. He tells me to come up and visit soon, and he’ll talk to me later. Without a doubt, he knows I’m on the verge of tears. And just when I get my shit together, the front door of my house opens, and James stands on the front step.

She flashes her smile in my direction, and I swear to fuck, my heart stops. It fucking stops beating in my chest at the sight of her. I watch as she makes her way toward me, and without a word, her lips touch mine, reactivating my heart and starting my new life.

“Hey, sweetheart,” I murmur against her lips.

“Come inside,” she sighs against my mouth.

Don’t mind if I fucking do.

EPILOGUE

JAMES

ONE MONTH LATER

Little girls dreamof this day their entire lives. But not me. I didn’t think it would ever happen. So, where others had plans and ideas, I had nothing except one thing. I wanted Shawn to make my wedding cake. She has full and complete reign over the dessert. I just want to have fun.

It’s not a big ceremony. Friends and family only, which really means Dark Horse MC only. I don’t have any friends or family outside of the club. There is a knock on the door as I stare at my reflection, although I’m not seeing anything. I’m staring, completely dazed.

Before I call out for the person to enter, I watch as the door creaks open slightly and someone slips into the room. Turning around, I see Shawn lean against the closed door and let out a sigh.

Her eyes open and find mine. Her smile is wobbly as she watches me for a moment. I’m not sure what she’s upset about, but I can tell it’s something.

“James,” she whispers.

My heart stops beating in my chest, and I feel my belly heat as anxiety begins to build inside of me. My breathing becomes labored almost instantly at the tone of her voice and the serious expression on her face.

“Did something happen to Nash?” I ask.

She shakes her head, her lips curving up into a smile. “No, not at all,” she says. “But there is a problem.”

“What?” I demand, unable to hide the panic in my voice.

Shawn takes a step toward me. Then another before she reaches for my hands, taking them in hers. She squeezes them gently before she speaks. “Your father is here.”

---